Intern - CITES Enforcement Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. It operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the CITES Enforcement Unit at UNEP is designed to provide support in various enforcement matters related to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The intern will work under the direct supervision of Programme Officer(s) and will be involved in conducting background research, preparing briefing papers, and compiling analyses of information submitted by Parties. The role is critical in ensuring that international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable, and the intern will assist in the implementation of CITES Decisions and Resolutions. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with international organizations and contribute to the global efforts in wildlife conservation and enforcement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting background research and preparing documentation on enforcement matters for CITES meetings; compiling and analyzing information from Parties regarding their implementation of the Convention; assisting in the delivery of activities supporting CITES Decisions and Resolutions; preparing documents for the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC); communicating with Parties and partner organizations such as INTERPOL and the World Bank; updating enforcement-related content on the CITES and ICCWC websites; planning and organizing meetings and workshops; preparing presentations and materials for workshops; representing the CITES Enforcement Unit in meetings; taking minutes and preparing documents as required; and assisting with other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level), be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree. Required qualifications include academic qualifications in law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, environmental law, or a related field. A strong interest in enforcement matters related to CITES is essential, along with experience in compliance or enforcement roles. Excellent writing skills are desirable, and knowledge of CITES or similar organizations is a plus. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. This educational background is crucial as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship and ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the CITES Enforcement Unit.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, they must have a field of study closely related to the internship. Experience in compliance or enforcement, particularly in areas such as judiciary, customs, or wildlife authority, is beneficial but not mandatory. The focus is on candidates who demonstrate a strong academic background and a keen interest in the field of environmental law and enforcement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable, as these languages are also used within the organization. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas, which is important for effective communication in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Specific terms of reference will be shared with successful candidates, and due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.